This week brings in the summer solstice and a heat wave. Rising global temperatures aren’t going anywhere any time soon, sadly, and so it’s imperative we take proper precautions to keep our families safe.

The Center on the Developing Child recently released a working report entitled How Extreme Heat Affects Early Child Development and Health. I definitely recommend giving it a read (or skim) if you can. The negative affects extreme heat has on child development and health are numerous and should not be underestimated.

I’m going to cut right to the goods today and share strategies I employ when we enter into the dog days of summer.

Stay in a temperature controlled space

I know, I know this feels like it goes without saying, but in the event you are unable to have AC at home, consider heading to a friends house or a public place with AC such as the public library, places of worship, or check out the National Center for Healthy Housing‘s website to find cooling shelters in your area. Using ice and a fan you can create a cooling effect. Place a large bowl of ice in front of the fan’s airflow to cool a room. Staying out of extreme heat is step one if you can help it.

Dress for success

Remember the 3 L’s when it comes to choosing the right clothing for hotter summer days and dress little ones in clothing that is loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored. Primary makes an affordable line of active wear made from moisture-wicking fabric. It’s our go-to for our kids clothes for many reasons, one of which is access to affordable activewear that helps us stick to a modest budget.

Stay hydrated

Stick to water and low sugar sports drinks to keep kids stay hydrated. Offer plenty of foods with high water content such as watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, peaches, and oranges. We eat A LOT of fruit salad in the summertime.

Keep an eye on the sky

Track the weather consistently so you know what type of weather to expect. Accuweather has been my go-to app because I appreciate the extreme weather notifications. Plus it’s easy to see the temperature both at a weekly and hourly glance.

Get a stroller fan

Even if you’re not out galavanting in extreme heat, strollers can get very hot as many are designed with good airflow in mind. One of the best purchases I’ve made has been a stroller fan. We’ve even used this at picnics to keep us cool and mosquitos at bay. We plan to take it camping to improve tent airflow. Listen, these things are amazing.

Know signs of heat stress

Being equipped with the knowledge heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms, you might just avoid these potentially deadly disasters. I’m just going to go ahead and point you to the CDC website here because they’re the experts and I’m not sure I can do a better job without cutting out pertinent information.

Cool off with water

Swimming is the best way to stay active and remain cool when temperatures rise, but not everyone has access to a swimming pool. Here is a variety of ways you can use water to stay cool without a swimming pool at home:

Go to the town pool. Depending on where you live, you might have access to a town pool for no fee. Many town pools will offer access to their pools for nominal fee or a season pass.

Smaller kids pools should not be underestimated. Truth be told, I asked for a kids swimming pool for my 30th birthday-before kids- and it’s the gift that keeps on giving, for me and now for my kids. We fill it up with the hose in 10 minutes and are happy to wade or soak in the water on especially hot days. Bonus: get an outdoor play slide for kids to slide into the pool and you’ll buy yourself endless fun and play opportunities.

Local swimming holes are especially magical places on a hot day. A quick search on Only in Your State will get you a host of ideas for your next swimming hole adventure.

Lakes and public beaches, if an option, are just as magical as the aforementioned swimming holes.

Summer is the best season for outdoor adventures. I’ll argue that one to the bitter end. However, extreme weather conditions can make adventuring in the heat not only uncomfortable, it can be downright dangerous. So while you get out there to make the most of summer adventures with your little ones, keep these tips in your backpocket to keep on adventuring safely.